Jeffrey Atkins` to stand trial in August

London: Rapper Jeffery Atkins, better known as Ja Rule, has been ordered to stand trial for illegal possession of a gun.

His chauffeured sports car was stopped by police in New York in 2007 on suspicion of speeding, having a suspended registration and no insurance. A search of the vehicle revealed a semi-automatic gun hidden in the rear driver`s side door. Now his trial will take place in New York in August, reports a news website. Atkins` lawyer Stacey Richman lost a bid to have the weapons count removed from his charges in January, arguing the police stop that led to his arrest was unjustified. Though Richman returned to a Manhattan courtroom Tuesday to request another hearing to discuss issues surrounding the case, her motion was dismissed and a trial date was set for Aug 18. If convicted, Atkins could face up to four years of jail. IANS